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- Anna Lee Heaton Baird, age 91, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, Jan. 11th, 2018, at the Brian Center. Anna was born in Spruce Pine on Aug. 2, 1926, to Sam and Myra Burleson Heaton. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Baird; two brothers: Sam Heaton (Spruce Pine) and Wilson Heaton (Virginia Beach) a son-in-law, Howard Henline (Spruce Pine). She was also preceded in death by her in-laws: Rose Heaton and Ted Ollis as well as a niece, Truda Murchison.
She is survived and will be greatly missed by her daughters: Glenda Pittman and her husband, Butch, of Newland and Barbara Henline of Spruce Pine. She leaves behind five grandchildren: Laura Lee Pittman of Morganton, Bruce Pittman and wife, Tracy, of Linville, David Pittman and wife, April, of Newland, Gregg Henline and wife, Lisa, of Spruce Pine and Dianne House of Lexington, S.C. She also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren: Michael Pittman, Bryce Pittman, Cara Van der Bauwede and husband, Franck, Ellie and Caitlin Pittman, Christopher Henline and wife, Kylie, Amber Henline, Brad House, Jason House and wife, Cherie and two great, great-granddaughters: Olivia House and Caroline Van der Bauwede. She is also survived by her precious sister, Lottie Ollis and sister-in-law, Wilma Heaton. Several nieces and nephews also survive and include Linda Taylor, who was more like a daughter to her.
Anna was a member of Pine Grove and Mt. Zion United Methodist Churches. Sunday was her favorite day of the week because it was church day. She wrote poetry, even winning prizes and having a poem published. She wrote and sang songs, played the guitar and loved to crochet. She made bedspreads, angels and even made dresses to resemble outfits worn in her favorite movie "Gone With The Wind."
She was completely blind as a little girl for two years, then legally blind until the Lions Club paid for her to have a cornea transplant at Baptist Hospital when she was in her 50's. She was thrilled to see patterns on her wall paper and lips move on T.V. shows. Her favorite thing to do was ride and look at the mountains since she could never get her driver's license. She would always say, "It's a beautiful day," even if it was pouring the rain. She appreciated her sight so much, it made it so much sadder to see her lose that sight again in an accident when she was 88. She was able to take several trips with her husband, Glenn, and other family members, including an airplane flight. She was proud to achieve her GED while her daughter, Glenda, taught classes for it. She had quit high school in 11th grade because losing the two years when she was blind put her behind others in age. She was an inspiration for many (taking several into her home to care for). She will now know "How Beautiful Heaven Must Be," her favorite song, and join her beloved husband, Glenn.
A celebration of her life was held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 14, in Pine Grove United Methodist Church. Linda Taylor and Rev. John Howard officiated. The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
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1926 - 2018 (91 years)
